By the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan Public Affairs Office
KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance Force soldiers from Task Force Kandahar have successfully completed Operation ATAL 53.
The three-day operation, which took place from January 29-31, included Afghan national security forces, troops from the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, elements of 42 British Royal Marine Commandos, and 2-2 Infantry from the United States Army.
"The purpose of the operation was to disrupt terrorists in the Western Panjwayi and Western Zhari districts, and specifically target areas where the enemies of Afghanistan make and store explosive materials, weapons and equipment," said Lieutenant-Colonel Roger Barrett, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. "The terrorist's inability to respond and fight effectively is a clear indication of our capacity to conduct timely and effective operations that improve security for the people of Kandahar."
Operation ATAL 53 (SHAHI TANDAR 3) saw a number of successes. Most notable were the discovery of a terrorist facility used to produce vehicles packed with explosives, several weapons caches, and numerous explosive devices and manufacturing equipment. These materials were destroyed so they could not be used by the enemies of Afghanistan to harm civilians or security forces in the future.
During one of the operational searches, Afghan and ISAF soldiers were led to weapons caches by Afghan civilians.
"This type of cooperation from the Afghan people is a clear indication that they are tired of the enemies of Afghanistan terrorizing the citizens of Kandahar province," said Lieutenant-Colonel Barrett. "Aviation assets played a key role in Operation ATAL 53 (SHAHI TANDAR 3) and the continuing effective partnership between Afghan and multi-national ISAF forces was demonstrated by the successful outcome of this operation."
Afghan security forces and ISAF are working in close partnership in order to protect the citizens of Kandahar province by conducting operations like ATAL 53 (SHAHI TANDAR 3) that have a direct effect on the terrorist IED network. Local civilians can improve security and help set the conditions for development by reporting terrorist activity to the Afghan authorities.